The Sri Lanka government has reacted firmly to the message sent by India on Monday that it was both concerned and unhappy at the plight of Tamil civilians in the north of the country, where armed forces are locked in battle with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

The crux of it was that India had been mislead by LTTE propaganda, civilian casualty had been kept at minimum, and that the Tigers did not represent the Tamil community. But he also made it clear that the Sri Lankan government would continue the military offensive against the LTTE, which he added, were now confined to the Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu districts.

Bogollagama said the LTTE had managed to mislead Sri Lanka's “friends” about the situation in the north. “It’s unfortunate that some of our friends too have been influenced by this malicious propaganda,” Bogollagama said, soon after mentioning that Narayanan had expressed concern on the situation in Sri Lanka.

He said: “The critics of Sri Lanka and sympathisers of the LTTE are attempting to portray a misleading and totally false notion that the government is opting for a military solution to address the problems of the minorities.'”

Bogollagama added the LTTE did not represent the Tamil community in Sri Lanka. “Therefore, military action against the LTTE should never be perceived as action against our brethren, the Tamil community. We are concerned about them and will work with them to ensure their welfare, security and aspirations since they are our fellow citizens,” he said.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing the All Parry Conference today repeated his call to the LTTE to lay down arms and surrender.

He said: "I wish to once again very clearly call on the LTTE to lay down their arms and surrender. They should act in this manner and enter the democratic political process. Our aim should be to ensure the democratic political rights of our Tamil brethren."

The President had summoned the Al Party Conference to apprise its members of the current developments with regard to the operations to eradicate terrorism, establish peace and restore democracy throughout the country. President Mahinda Rajapakse addressing the All Party Conference. Also in the picture Prime Minister Rathnasri Wickremanayake and Lalith Weeartunga, Secretary to the President President Mahinda Rajapakse addressing the All Party Conference. Also in the picture Prime Minister Rathnasri Wickremanayake and Lalith Weeartunga, Secretary to the President

"However difficult it may be, it is my belief that the efforts to find political solutions to political issues should be continued. It is my belief that there are no military solutions to political questions. The people have elected us to realize their aims and aspirations. It is our duty to ensure to the Tamil people of the North have the same democratic rights as enjoyed by the people in all other parts of the country. Military operations have become necessary to eradicate terrorism from the country and enthrone democracy throughout the land," the President said.

The leader of the Thamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TVMP) Muralitharan Karuna Amman, who was present at the APC today, said he had been with the LTTE for more than 22 years; and with his experience knew that when the LTTE came forward seeking peace it was always to further strengthen itself. On earlier occasions, incumbent governments, possibly by mistake, had encouraged the LTTE by giving it arms and money. V.Muralitharan of the TMVP speaking in the All Party ConferenceV.Muralitharan of the TMVP speaking in the All Party Conference

“He recalled his own participation in several rounds of talks with the Government held under international sponsorship. They had come to an understanding to accept a federal system as a solution. However, Anton Balasingham, without consulting Prabhakaran had issued a statement stating that they were willing to consider a federal system. When he discussed this with Prabhakaran he rejected the idea of federalism. He wanted the talks dragged for at least five years till the LTTE obtained enough arms to strengthen itself further.

That was when he decided to leave the LTTE. It was called a renegade for talking this decision, which was done after he had explained to Prabharakan the futility of the armed campaign they were engaged in where at least 80,000 people had lost their lives.

He emphasized that it was necessary to defeat the LTTE militarily. This was necessary in the interests of the people of the North, who have already rejected the LTTE, but controlled by the military power of the organization.Minister Douglas Devananda,, V.Muralitharan M.P. and ALL Party Conference Leaders in the picture (Pix by:Sudath Silva)Minister Douglas Devananda,, V.Muralitharan M.P. and ALL Party Conference Leaders in the picture (Pix by:Sudath Silva)

He said the President had brought about many important changes in the East with free and fair elections and that all communities in the East were today participating in the development process there.

Here is the text of the President’s statement:

“I welcome you all with all respect, and thank you for being present at this meeting at such short notice.

“We have today reached an important juncture in the difficult path of eradicating terrorism from our motherland and ensuring the dawn of peace. We seek this peace for all the people of our country. Similarly, what we look forward to is a peace that will ensure to all citizens, whether in the North, South, East or West equal rights and privileges, to be enjoyed in freedom and dignity.

“The political parties gathered here are those that have the highest regard to the democratic system, ands have great confidence in it; it is satisfying that they all value democratic thinking and follow the principles of democracy. We are also encouraged by the fact that all of these parties comprise those who take great pains to achieve the economic, social, cultural and political aspirations of our people.

“I wish to emphasize the importance of all of us have come together so as not to betray the people in their eager search for democracy and peace, away from the path of violence.

“However difficult it may be, it is my belief that the efforts to find political solutions to political issues should be continued. It is my belief that there are no military solutions to political questions. The people have elected us to realize their aims and aspirations. It is our duty to ensure to the Tamil people of the North the same democratic rights as enjoyed by the people min all other parts of the country. Military operations have become necessary to eradicate terrorism from the country and enthrone democracy throughout the land.All Party Conference in session presided over by President Mahinda RajapakseAll Party Conference in session presided over by President Mahinda Rajapakse

“You will recall that in January this year the All Party Representative Committee presented a set of proposals. It is the expectation of the government to carry these proposals forward and implement them. Especially, in the context of our Constitution not being properly implemented, such the full implementing of these proposals cannot be done immediately. They should be done step by step. Already this is being implemented well in the Eastern Province. At the same time, the military operations are continuing in the North, to free the people there from the yoke of terrorism and ensure them of their democratic rights and freedoms.

“There should be a proper environment to fully implement the proposals of the All Party Conference and the All Party Representative Committee. The current military operations are being carried out to build that required environment. They are not intended to harass the ordinary people, or cause harm or hardship to them. Our policy in this regard is very clear. It is that we continue with these operations to free another group of our own brothers and sisters from the cruel grip of terror.

“I wish to state our satisfaction that the entire machinery of government led by the respective Government Agents, is carrying out fully coordinated work together with the International Red Cross and the United Nations to ensure the welfare of the civilians who are faced with some hardship and have been temporarily displaced due to the current military operations in the North.

“I wish to state that all hardships faced temporarily by our brothers and sisters in the North will be brought to an end in a short time. Similar to what we did in the East, we will soon make arrangements to bring normalcy to the lives of our fraternal citizens in the North, and provide them the opportunity to elect their own political representatives to the constitutionally established political institutions.

“You are aware that we are taking action to properly implement our Constitution. Similarly, the local government bodies and provincial councils are being strengthened. What the All Party Conference should do now is to discuss and agree on measures towards stabilizing this political process, and discuss the further measures necessary to achieve peace. This should be done in a manner that is fair by all communities. Such measures should help in raising the living standards of all communities. Also, we should build an environment in which every citizen will be able to live in peace and satisfaction.

“Finally, I wish to once again very clearly call on the LTTE to lay down their arms and surrender. They should act in this manner and enter the democratic political process. Our aim should be to ensure the democratic political rights of our Tamil brethren.”

The representatives of the parties present supported the President initiative to end terrorism and restore peace in the country, and also the measures being taken to ease the temporary hardships faced by the people of the North due to the ongoing military operations.

Government sources said that the President would have skipped the event due to his scheduled meeting with the visiting Palestinian President Mohammed Abbas. The blast hit the convoy about an hour before the Palestinian leader arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport.